Robert R. Piredda

Robert R. Piredda, 74, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts passed away peacefully at home on May 19, 2014. Born on March 1, 1940 to Angelo and Pauline Piredda (Sini), Bob graduated from Searles High School (Class of 1959) in Great Barrington and further received his Master's Degree in Engineering from Boston University. Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1960 where he was a jet engine mechanic at Reese Air Force Base in Texas. After 8 years of honorable duty and experimenting as a pilot, Bob later worked for 28 years and retired from General Electric as a mechanical engineer specializing in jet engines. This work allowed him to travel the world and admire fountains along the way. Bob was a member of the Charles C. Dame Masonic Lodge in Georgetown, Massachusetts. He spent his free time hunting, gardening, wood-working, bee-keeping and taking care of his pets. He thoroughly enjoyed making people laugh and being surrounded by family and friends. Bob is predeceased by his loving wife, Karen Ashbaugh-Piredda, his parents Angelo and Pauline Piredda, his sister Joanna P. Schuessler (Piredda) and his twin brother Richard R. Piredda who died at birth. He is survived by his sister Antoinette Sicard (Piredda) of Venice, Florida, his three stepdaughters, Anna M. Maffett of Pittsfield, Rebecca L. McFarland and husband Scott of Great Barrington and Cathryn E. Barnhill of Springfield. Bob was a father figure to many and relished in sharing his massive wisdom and loved being a positive influence to his surviving "grandchildren", Trevor and Adelaide McFarland. He is also survived by loving nieces; Lynn Schuessler, Kathryn Corriveau (Robert), nephews; Thomas Schuessler, Michael Schuessler, and cousins; Stephen Daniels, John Daniels, Peter Daniels, Joseph Sini and Joanne Yasneski (Sini). Funeral Notice: Funeral services with military honors for Robert R. Piredda, 74, of Pittsfield who died May 19, 2014 will be held Tuesday at 11:00 AM at the Martin Memorial Chapel at Pittsfield Cemetery conducted by the Rev. Rich Hayes, chaplain at Hospice Care in the Berkshires. Calling hours will be held Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM prior to the service at the Martin Memorial Chapel. Memorial donations in memory of Bob may be made to Hospice Care in the Berkshires or to a children's charity of one's choice, both in care of the DERY FUNERAL HOME, 54 Bradford St. Pittsfield, MA 01201 which is handling arrangements.